Skagway ferry bookings blocked until Sept. 14, after the Klondike Road Relay weekend

Mark Sabbatini
1 hour ago
2 min read

Block ‘reflects the reservation system only, not a projected return to service,’ AMHS says Monday; private operators are continuing to provide supplemental service

The Skagway ferry dock in 2021. (Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities photo)

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

Reservations for the Alaska Marine Highway System’s terminal in Skagway are blocked through Monday, Sept. 14 due to major structural damage, state transportation officials announced Monday. That means participants in the Klondike Road Relay on Sept. 11 and 12 will need to look at other options.

The terminal has been closed since Aug. 15 after growing cracks were observed in a concrete abutment supporting the vehicle transfer bridge and passenger walkway. Fixing the facility will be a multi-stage process, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities stated in a post on its Facebook page Monday.

"Both the vehicle and pedestrian transfer bridges have been removed and damaged concrete has been cleared so crews could fully assess the condition of the abutment," the post notes. "Engineering work is underway and nearing completion, after which the contractor will begin repairs. Adjustments to the float system are also planned to better control movement and reduce the potential for similar damage."

A flowchart released on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026 by the Skagway Visitor Department for travelers affected by the terminal closures. (Skagway Visitor Department)

DOT notes that the block on bookings through Sept. 14 "reflects the reservation system only, not a projected return to service, and the block will be adjusted as the repair timeline becomes clearer."

The Skagway Visitor Department is providing alternative vessel and flight options through the weekend of the race. DOT also notes walk-on passengers reaching Haines can travel to Skagway via the Haines Skagway Fast Ferry at https://www.hainesskagwayfastferry.com/.

The Skagway terminal office remains open for questions and assistance at 800-642-0066, and additional state ferry information is at https://ferryalaska.com.

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.